Xen-FMTS 2: Unlock the World of Microtonal Synthesis
Xen-FMTS 2 by Xen-Arts is a unique VST instrument designed specifically for musicians and sound experimenters who seek to explore the boundless possibilities of music creation using alternative intonation systems. This synthesizer combines deep 4-operator FM synthesis with advanced microtuning support.
Foundation of Sound: FM and Ring-Modulation
At the heart of Xen-FMTS 2 lies a flexible FM synthesis architecture with four operators, complemented by Ring-Modulation for creating complex and unusual timbres. The plugin offers a large selection of 57 operator interaction algorithms and 11 diverse waveforms. An analog pitch drift emulator is provided to add an analog character to the sound. The ability to use Partials text files allows for the quantization of operator frequency ratios according to user-defined values. The key velocity modulation function on harmonics allows operators to dynamically reproduce harmonics of the fundamental tone.
- 4 FM synthesis operators with Ring-Modulation
- 57 algorithms and 11 waveforms
- Analog pitch drift emulator
- Operator frequency quantization using Partials files
- Velocity modulation on harmonics
Microtuning Master
The key advantage of Xen-FMTS 2 is its exceptional support for microtonal systems. The synthesizer can internally load and externally receive MTS (MIDI Tuning Standard) files, including Bulk Dump and Single Note. Operator ratios can be easily aligned with the microtuning used. Microtonal Pitch Bend ranges can be adjusted in cents, harmonics, or super-articular ratios. Arbitrary microtonal pitch shift makes it easy to transpose oscillators.
- Full MTS (MIDI Tuning Standard) support
- Internal loading and external reception of MTS files
- Alignment of operator ratios with microtuning
- Microtonal Pitch Bend settings (cents, harmonics, super-articular ratios)
- Arbitrary microtonal transposition
- Local (per patch) and global microtuning
- Loading microtunings from any directory
Advanced Modulation and Filtering Capabilities
The plugin is equipped with seven hybrid modulators, each of which includes an ADSR envelope generator and an LFO that can operate at audio frequency. Each ADSR envelope generator supports keyboard tracking at each stage. LFOs can be synchronized with the host program’s tempo or operate in Hz, have 24 waveforms, and a Slewer function. The filter section begins with a saturation stage with 20 types, followed by two independent filters with six types (LP4, LP2, HPF, BPF, BRF, APF). Single- and two-stage filter cascading is available.
Modulators
- 7 hybrid modulators (for operators, filters, amplifier, pitch)
- ADSR envelopes with keyboard tracking
- LFO with audio-frequency capability
- LFO synchronization with host tempo or in Hz
- 24 LFO waveforms and a Slewer function
Filter Section
- Pre-filter saturation stage (20 types)
- Two independent filters with six types
- Single- and two-stage filter cascading
Performance Features and Built-in Effects
Xen-FMTS 2 supports 12-note polyphony, as well as monophonic Legato and Portamento modes. The microtonal Pitch Bend function allows precise control over pitch. Vibrato is available. The plugin also includes built-in effects: Chorus, Lowpass Filter Cascade (Warm Filter) with filters from 6 dB to 48 dB per octave, and Stereo Ensemble.
- 12-note polyphony
- Monophonic Legato and Portamento modes
- Microtonal Pitch Bend and Vibrato
- Built-in effects: Chorus, Warm Filter, Stereo Ensemble
Kit
For a quick start, Xen-FMTS 2 comes with 115 ready-made patches, 55 microtuning files, and 56 Partials files. The plugin is available in VST format for Windows (Win32).
Overall, Xen-FMTS 2 is an indispensable tool for composers, sound engineers, and musicians looking for a synthesizer with deep FM synthesis capabilities and full support for microtonal systems.
